On Wednesday, October 28th Metanoia hosted a block party at 1902 Ubank Street where we, in conjunction with the North Charleston Police Department, were awarded the 2009 National Community Revitalization Award by MetLife Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Metanoia and the NCPD were chosen from a pool of nearly 700 national applicants and were given $15,000 by MetLife to support our future community strengthening efforts over the past few years in the Cherokee/Chicora neighborhood.
Community members flocked to witness the award ceremony and enjoy refreshments and cake afterward. T-shirts, screen printed by the Metanoia Civic Leaders and displaying the new Cherokee/Chicora logo and the phrase “A New Dawn, A New Day” were handed out free to community members and guests to be worn during the festivity. Several Officers of the NCPD were also present to witness the ceremony, being prodded and followed by the adoring Young Leaders from Metanoia.
After a brief introduction for the award by LISC Officer Mona Mangat, James Oddo of MetLife Foundation formally presented Reverend Bill Stanfield of Metanoia and Deputy Chief David Cheatle of the NCPD with award plaques signifying their successful partnership. Afterwards, both Reverend Bill and Deputy Chief Cheatle expressed their thanks to the community, without whom there would be no sustainable community change. Special thanks were also expressed to Metanoia’s own Jamilla Harper for her major role in the writing of the award application, and for Tony Joyner for the work he’s done in creating quality housing in the Ubank Street Corridor which has resulted in a steep fall of crime rates.
The Young Leaders then performed the song “I’m Alive” to the delight of those present, receiving a loud round of applause. Although Mayor Keith Summey was unable to attend because he was not feeling well, the event closed with testimonies of thanks from city council members Michael Brown, Ed Astle and Kurt Taylor.
